More than 20 Melburnians have been left out of pocket more than $640,000 after they were caught up in an alleged roofing scam.
In July, police began to receive reports about tradesmen conducting expensive works on the roofs of residential properties then leaving the work unfinished or in a state of disrepair.
The alleged scam involved a group of men pretending to be a legitimate, licensed roofing company, and convincing householders their roofs had major defects – and even at risk of collapse.
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The alleged victims were located across Melbourne included three sisters who paid $149,450 for roofing works at two properties in Point Cook and Brunswick West, with quotes across both properties reaching more than $200,000.
A total of $95,000 was paid for roof and pergola work at the Point Cook property, however an independent roof inspector has since stated that the works do not comply with industry standards and regulations, and that the total cost of the work should not have been more than $10,000.
The 21-year-old man was detained and arrested by police at Tullamarine airport as he was allegedly trying to flee the country. Credit: 7NEWS
Meanwhile, a Toorak woman allegedly paid the group, whom she found via an ad on the internet, to replace a downpipe and look at a roof leak.
She was advised that a host of other problems needed to be fixed, and ended up paying $31,900.
A roof inspector later advised the only work conducted appeared to be the replacement of a downpipe, $350 worth of work.
In total, the group is accused of defrauding at least 20 people of $640,000 through the alleged scam.
On Thursday July 28, detectives executed a search warrant at a Thomastown address in an attempt to speak to a 21-year-old man in relation to the reports.
The Irish national was charged with obtaining property by deception. Credit: 7NEWS
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